Walk Like an American

This morning, I was introduced to an inspiring man via CNN. His name is Constantino Diaz-Duran. After becoming a naturalized American citizen 3 months ago, he decided to celebrate by treating himself to a walk across the United States. That's right, he went Forest Gump! He began in New York and was interviewed today on a stop in Atlanta, Georgia. Rather than taking highways, he has been taking backroads and a seemingly meandering route. The purpose is to be around people so he can get to know the real folks in this great land of ours. He also mentioned that his routing is going to include a stroll through New Orleans, which Constantino has always wanted to see.

So far, he has walked about 1,000 miles and wore out his 1st pair of running shoes. There are camping supplies in his backpack, but they are still quite new because so many of our neighbors across the states have been so willing to bring him into their homes for food and lodging. Constanino is getting to know a lot of people. He is also getting to know a lot about himself on this journey. An interesting quote on his blog is "Necessity, I suppose, is the mother of self-reinvention."


You can follow his wondrous journey by clicking here or follow him on Facebook and even make a PayPal secure donation if you wish. Here is the Changing of the Shoes as his beloved first pair were retired due to the holes in the bottom and Constantino continues walking in a new pair.

BYOT...Bring Your Own Technology...To Class

There was a very interesting article on CNN early last week on a teacher out in Los Angeles (Enrique Legaspi) who has embraced the technology that is Social Media, instructing his students to BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) and be ready to give your answers on TWITTER. As you can imagine, opinions were varied, people weighing in (via Twitter) on both ends of the spectrum. Some of the tweets:

@cwindon: "The concept is fine but Twitter shouldn't be taught in school. What about the parents who don't want kids using social media?"

@meanmindyjean: "I hope my own children's teachers will consider this. My son would benefit. Twitter finds a place in the classroom."

@BarneySTJ: "Not sure if i agree with how this teacher is using twitter in the classroom but I definitely agree with the attempt."

@mightyjackstar: "The changing face of the classroom, and I think it's great - Twitter helps shy kids speak up in class."

Personally, find myself far more willing to embrace the technology that is Social Media and Twitter, than I was in allowing Calculators in the class room. With one, you are still providing the answers, simply using technology to send them to the instructor, while with the other, it was the technology providing you with the answers. What is your opinion? Should we change the rules that have our children's Smart Phones and IPod's turned off during class, or instead should we embrace the technology, and find ways to use in in helping our kids learn? Let us hear from you.